Distilled in 1999, this whisky was sequentially matured in three types of sherry casks—Amontillado on 4 November 2009, Oloroso on 20 June 2011, and Manzanilla on 12 September 2016. The result is a splendid burst of sherry character, enriched with notes of creamy fudge, vanilla pods, and a hint of tobacco. This distinctive dram is exceptionally rare, with only 4,002 individually numbered bottles available worldwide. It combines the finest sherry finishes synonymous with Bunnahabhain—Amontillado, Manzanilla, and Oloroso—and is presented at cask strength with an ABV of 53.3%. True to its Islay origins, it is unpeated, with no added colour and is non-chill filtered.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Freshly baked almond pastries are met with sweet berries, creamy fudge, rose petals and a hint of desiccated coconut.Palate: Fresh vanilla pods, butterscotch and creamy strawberries are balanced with honeyed cashews, wood spice and a gentle hint of tobacco.Finish: Dry finish with pine needles and blackcurrants
Distilled on the Orkney Islands at one of Scotland's most storied distilleries, Highland Park has crafted whisky on its Kirkwall site since 1798. Under Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, each release is built around the precise marriage of hand-selected casks, with the distillery's signature lightly peated Orcadian heather malt underpinning every expression.
The 25 Year Old 2023 Release is drawn from just 22 casks: ten first-fill sherry seasoned European oak hogsheads, two first-fill sherry seasoned American oak hogsheads, four first-fill sherry seasoned American oak butts, five refill hogsheads and one refill butt. Each cask was selected by Gordon Motion for its marrying potential, depth of flavour and complex character, producing a whisky of natural deep copper colour and considerable aged richness. At this level of maturation and rarity, it is as much a collector's piece as it is a drinking whisky, and presents exceptionally well as a landmark gift.
Tasting Note by Highland Park:Honeyed peaches, sweet satsumas, pistachio biscotti, crushed coriander seed, aromatic oregano, crème brûlée, citrus zest and heathered peat smoke.
The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release marks a return to one of whisky's most celebrated cultural partnerships, reuniting The Macallan with James Bond to commemorate 55 years since the premiere of Diamonds Are Forever. The whisky was crafted by Whisky Maker Russell Greig, an avid Bond devotee who has translated the film's narrative arc directly into the cask selection, drawing on the film's locations, characters and pivotal scenes as the creative framework for this limited edition release.
The cask composition reflects the film's storyline with deliberate precision. American white oak casks represent the Las Vegas and coastal California settings that dominate the picture, while sherry seasoned oak casks pay homage to Bond's connoisseurship of Solera sherry, a moment that surfaces early in the film. A selection of red wine seasoned casks acknowledges a later scene in which Bond's forensic knowledge of wine proves critical to the plot. The cask selection is completed with bespoke hybrid sherry seasoned oak casks, custom crafted from both European and American oak staves within a single cask, an expression of the innovative spirit shared by both Bond and The Macallan. Natural colour and non-chill filtration preserve the whisky's full integrity, and the presentation packaging draws on the film's original creative archive, offering a behind the scenes glimpse into its visual development. This is an unequivocally collection-worthy release.
Tasting Note by The Macallan: Nose: Sophisticated notes of sweet polished oak, vanilla bean and rich dried fruits. Palate: Creamy vanilla and caramel, with hints of cocoa powder coated champagne truffles, coffee, dried fruits including figs, berries and apricots, and subtle trailing spices. Finish: Long and refined with a lingering warmth.
Distilled on the wind-swept Orkney Islands at the world's most northerly mainland distillery, Highland Park has produced whisky on its Kirkwall site since 1798. The distillery's house style is shaped by its own floor maltings, lightly peated with aromatic Orcadian heather, and by Gordon Motion's exacting approach to cask selection and maturation.
The 21 Year Old 2023 Release draws on 36 individually hand-selected casks laid down between 1998 and 2001, comprising ex-bourbon hogsheads, first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, and ex-Rioja casks. The extended maturation and diversity of cask types produce a whisky of notable complexity and balance, representing both a considered collector's acquisition and an exceptional gift for those who appreciate the rewards of unhurried ageing.
Tasting Note by Highland Park:Tropical fruits, toasted almonds, freshly grated nutmeg and floral peat smoke, with lemon zest, aromatic fenugreek, apples caramelised in honey and cinnamon, a dusting of cedar-smoked sweet paprika, woody spices and a hint of citrus oil in the heather-rich peat smoke.
Macallan Rare Cask 2024 Release is created from a selection of rare casks at The Macallan Estate, each chosen for their exceptionally rich and complex character. These hand selected casks reveal a deep ruby mahogany colour, an intense sweet raisin flavour and a smooth velvety mouthfeel. This release represents one of the most expressive examples of The Macallan’s cask led style, showcasing richness, depth and luxurious sweetness.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Soft notes of vanilla with rich raisin, followed by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon and orange.Palate: An intense sweet raisin dominates before giving way to vanilla and dark chocolate, with layers of light citrus zest.Finish: Long, rich and velvety.
A robust cask strength 21 year old matured predominantly in ex-Oloroso Sherry butts before spending a further 21 months finishing in Pedro Ximénez casks. Sherried, honeyed and unpeated, this limited edition release offers rich depth and natural sweetness. Bottled at 53.6% ABV with limited availability.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Sweet nose with notes of dried fruit, nutmeg spice, honey, caramelised walnuts and a gentle touch of oak.Palate: Initial spicy notes of cinnamon and clove fade to reveal grape syrup which coats the palate, with raisins, figs, candied cherries and a hint of liquorice.Finish: Lingering spicy finish of toasted coffee and cocoa.
Aberfeldy Distillery sits in the foothills of the Central Highlands, on the banks of the River Tay, and has been producing single malt since 1898. This 25 Year Old is a limited release bottled to mark the distillery's 125th anniversary, representing Aberfeldy's house style at its most refined, spending over two decades in refill hogsheads and refill butts before being finished for more than a year in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, a final stage that adds depth, richness and warming spice to the distillery's characteristically honeyed and fruit-driven spirit.
Bottled at 46% ABV, the expression delivers the kind of complexity and refinement that only extended maturation can produce. A genuinely rare commemorative release, it is an exceptional addition to any serious whisky collection and a fitting tribute to 125 years of Highland craftsmanship at Aberfeldy.
Tasting Note by Aberfeldy:Luxuriously succulent. With notes of Highland honey, wild strawberries and ripe peaches warmed by the sun, the aroma builds with cocoa powder, creamy caramel and warming cinnamon. On the palate, delicate fruit rests on a malty, cereal base, with a hint of vanilla coffee and a long, satisfying finish.
Founded in 1892 by William Grant in Dufftown, at the heart of Speyside, The Balvenie is one of Scotland's most craft-focused distilleries, maintaining its own floor maltings, cooperage and coppersmith team on site. Traditional methods are preserved here not as a point of heritage but as a genuine commitment to quality, a philosophy that runs through every expression in the range.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old begins its maturation in traditional oak casks before being transferred to casks previously prepared by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE with a blend of West Indian rums. Once the rum is removed, the aged whisky is introduced to the wood, allowing the cask to impart its final characteristics of tropical fruit sweetness and gentle warmth. This limited edition presents the expression in exclusive narrative-led packaging by award-winning illustrator Victo Ngai, making it a particularly distinctive gift for those drawn to sweeter, fruit-led expressions.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Rich, sweet and creamy toffee on the nose combines with fresh fruit notes.Palate: Rounded with vanilla and sweet oak notes, with a fruity character that develops with time.Finish: Soft and lingering.
Founded in 1892 by William Grant in Dufftown, at the heart of Speyside, The Balvenie is one of Scotland's most craft-focused distilleries, maintaining its own floor maltings, cooperage and coppersmith team on site. It is a place where traditional methods have been preserved not as a point of heritage but as a genuine commitment to quality, and that philosophy runs through every expression in the range. The distillery's Malt Master lineage is among the most celebrated in the industry, with David C. Stewart MBE spending over five decades shaping its character before passing the role to Kelsey McKechnie.
DoubleWood 12 was launched in 1993, built on a wood finishing technique pioneered by David C. Stewart in 1982 that has since become widely adopted across the industry. The whisky first matures in traditional whisky oak casks before being transferred to European oak sherry casks for a further period of maturation, adding fruity, honeyed depth and greater complexity. The whiskies are then married for three to four months in large oak tuns before bottling. This limited edition presents the expression in exclusive narrative-led packaging by award-winning illustrator Victo Ngai, making it a particularly distinctive gift.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry notes, layered with honey and vanilla.Palate: Smooth and mellow with beautifully combined flavours ~ nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry.Finish: Long and Warming.
Distilled on the southern shore of Islay, Laphroaig has been producing one of Scotland's most distinctive single malts since 1815. The distillery's character is shaped by its own floor maltings, peat cut from the Islay bog, and the brackish coastal air of the Kildalton coast, producing a spirit of deep, unmistakable smokiness that has defined the house style for over two centuries.
This 14 Year Old limited edition was personally selected by actor and Friend of Laphroaig Willem Dafoe alongside Senior Whisky Blender Sarah Dowling, chosen entirely on instinct and without formal tasting notes. Finished in Oloroso sherry casks, the expression brings a layer of soft sweetness and depth to Laphroaig's signature peat-driven character. With no formal notes from the distillery, the bottle is designed to provoke personal interpretation rather than guided expectation, making it a singular collector's piece and a gift unlike any other in the current Laphroaig range.
Tasting Note by JPHA:Nose: Deep, unmistakable peat smoke with a coastal edge and the quiet richness of Oloroso sherry.Palate: Sea salt, warming spice and soft sweetness, with layers that shift and evolve in the glass.Finish: Long, smoky and mouthwatering, with a lingering complexity that resists easy definition.
Maker's Mark has been distilling on its Star Hill Farm estate in Loretto, Kentucky since 1954, where the distillery's commitment to estate-grown grain production sets it apart from the majority of American whisky producers. The Star Hill Farm annual release series explores how farming decisions, soil, and grain selection directly shape the character of the whisky in the glass, with each year's edition focused on a distinct agricultural question.
The 2026 Release turns its attention to wheat, examining how different wheat varieties influence depth and character. Built from a blend of soft red winter, hard white, and heirloom hard red wheat alongside 62% malted wheat and a touch of malted barley, this expression is underpinned by a regenerative agriculture philosophy and fully estate-grown production. Bottled at cask strength, it is a release of genuine provenance and ambition, as compelling for collectors as it is for those drawn to whisky with a story rooted in the land.
Tasting Note by Maker's Mark:Nose: Dark and dense with notes of molasses, fig and delicate spice.Palate: Vibrant and complex with notes of zesty citrus, ripe pear and shortbread.Finish: Lingering and harmonious with notes of rich sweetness and soft cinnamon.
Established in 1824 on the Easter Elchies Estate in Speyside, The Macallan has built its reputation on an exceptional commitment to cask selection and wood management. The Double Cask Collection, first launched in 2016, sits at the heart of the distillery's range, celebrating the complementary relationship between sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, each crafted and seasoned in The Macallan's own cooperages and bodegas in Jerez de la Frontera.
The Double Cask 18 Year Old 2026 Release is matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak for a minimum of eighteen years, with every selected cask having spent its entire maturation period in sherry seasoned wood. The American oak contributes unmistakable sweetness and vanilla, while the European oak delivers soft spices and dried fruit, producing a naturally coloured single malt of smooth, creamy balance. Released annually, each vintage represents a considered addition to any collection and a gift of genuine distinction.
Tasting Note by The Macallan:Nose: Dried fruit and toffee with rich candied citrus peel, ginger and nutmeg.Palate: Raisin, sultana and dried apricot with notes of treacle toffee, vanilla and ginger. Toasted wood spice and baked apple.Finish: Long with warm oak and citrus.
Established in 1824 on the Easter Elchies Estate in Speyside, The Macallan has long defined its house style through an unwavering commitment to exceptional oak cask selection. The distillery's Master of Wood sources, crafts, toasts and seasons each cask to precise specifications before filling, ensuring the wood imparts the full measure of its character to the maturing spirit.
The Sherry Oak 18 Year Old 2024 Release is matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks sourced from Jerez, Spain. Eighteen years of undisturbed maturation in this single cask type produces the deep, natural mahogany colour and layered complexity for which this expression is celebrated annually. Each year's release marks a distinct moment in The Macallan's Sherry Oak Collection, making the 2024 edition a worthy addition to any serious collection and an exceptional gift for those with a discerning palate.
Tasting Note by The Macallan:Nose: Treacle tart with stem ginger, soaked raisins and sultanas with a hint of orange and ground cinnamon.Palate: Soft and rich, with flavours of dark chocolate coated ginger with dates and dried apricots, balanced with oak and the sweetness of vanilla.Finish: Lingering with dried fruits, ginger and oak.
One of just 201 bottles released worldwide, the Bowmore 40 Year Old 2023 Release is a whisky of extraordinary rarity and pedigree, forming part of the distillery's Ultimate Rare Collection. Established in 1779 on the shores of Loch Indaal on Islay, Bowmore is among the oldest distilleries in Scotland, and this 40 Year Old represents the very pinnacle of what four decades of patient maturation in exceptional casks can produce.
The whisky has been matured in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and sherry-seasoned European oak hogsheads, with a significant portion receiving an extended finish in first-fill Spanish oak Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a spirit of profound depth and concentration — deeply coloured, richly layered and shaped by the full weight of 40 years' cask influence, all underpinned by Bowmore's characteristic whisper of Islay peat. With just 201 bottles in existence, this is an unrepeatable collector's release of the highest distinction.
Tasting Note by Bowmore:Nose: Warm sweetness with juicy papaya and passion fruit, layered with rich cocoa and soft butterscotch.Palate: Smooth and fragrant with notes of tobacco leaves, walnut cake, buttery sweetness and a subtle whisper of peat smoke.Finish: Fresh, timeless and deeply rewarding, lingering with rich intensity and refined balance.
Remy Martin XO Xue Song 2026 Lunar New Year Limited Edition celebrates the artistry of contemporary Chinese painter Xue Song. This exclusive release features a striking decanter adorned with symbolic imagery representing prosperity, triumph and good fortune for the year ahead. The design pays tribute to the legendary Centaur emblem while blending traditional and modern artistic expression.
Inside the decanter is the iconic Remy Martin XO Fine Champagne Cognac crafted from hundreds of eaux de vie sourced exclusively from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus. Long ageing in French oak delivers a velvety texture, remarkable depth and a symphony of rich flavours. This limited edition is released to honour Lunar New Year 2026 and is presented in exquisite gift packaging that embodies celebration and cultural heritage.Tasting Note by Rémy Martin:Nose: Exceptionally smooth with a powerful yet understated aroma. Plums, dried figs, candied orange and passion fruit blend with a hint of honey and a floral jasmine-like fragrance.Palate: Fresh passion fruit enhanced by deeper ripe autumn fruit, candied orange, hazelnuts and a hint of nutmeg. Notes of roasted cocoa beans, honey and gingerbread develop throughout.Finish: Full bodied, smooth and long lasting.
Rémy Martin XO Heart Of Cognac 2025 Limited Edition celebrates the generosity of the House’s exceptional terroirs with an opulent aromatic profile. This limited edition opens to reveal an XO decanter adorned in gold, enriched with vibrant illustrations of flowers, fruits and leaves interwoven with birds and insects.
Rémy Martin XO is the signature of Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau, who blends hundreds of eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne to craft a cognac of remarkable depth, complexity and elegance. This 2025 limited edition gift pack pays tribute to that mastery while offering a striking collector’s presentation.Tasting Note by Rémy Martin:Nose: Exceptionally smooth with a powerful yet understated aroma. Plums, dried figs, candied orange and passion fruit blend with a hint of honey and a floral jasmine-like fragrance.Palate: Fresh passion fruit enhanced by deeper ripe autumn fruit, candied orange, hazelnuts and a hint of nutmeg. Notes of roasted cocoa beans, honey and gingerbread develop throughout.Finish: Full bodied, smooth and long lasting.
As part of the Mizunara Series, this expression represents a core extension of the Yamazaki brand, highlighting the artistry and rarity of Japanese Mizunara oak. Known for its distinctive aroma and flavour, Mizunara has been integral to Yamazaki since the 1940s, when scarcity of American oak after the war led to its adoption. The wood is notoriously difficult to work with, requiring trees over 200 years old and more than 70 cm in diameter to yield usable casks, making each release a rare achievement.
Matured exclusively in Mizunara oak for 18 years, this whisky captures the complexity and depth associated with Japan’s most elusive cask type. The Mizunara oak imparts notes of sandalwood, agarwood, and oriental spice, complementing Yamazaki’s refined character.
Tasting Note by Suntory Whisky:Nose: Dark cherry, ripe peach, cinnamon, nutmegPalate: Spiced orange, apricot, Japanese incenseFinish: Long and lingering with clove, sandalwood and dried coconut
The English 17 Year Old Portuguese Cabernet Sauvignon Cask (Founders Private Cellar Release 4) is a rare single malt, distilled in 2007 and matured for 17 years. Bottled at cask strength, this exceptional release showcases the depth and character achieved after years of patient maturation. Each bottling reflects the tradition started by founder James Nelstrop, highlighting the expertise of the distillers and the influence of the cask in a truly special expression.
Tasting Note by The English:Nose: Aromas of dates, toffee and dark chocolate.Palate: Red fruits, apples & brown sugar.Finish: Full bodied with a medium to long, dry finish.
This annual five-part series from Glen Scotia celebrates the Campbeltown market cross, a local symbol of storytelling and community. Inspired by the cross’s carvings of saints and mythical beasts, each release highlights a tale of heroism and resilience. This year’s edition, featuring Saint Michael defeating a dragon, is brought to life by artist Joel Holtzman. The whisky, carefully crafted by Glen Scotia’s Master Blender, reflects the spirit of unity and endurance that defines Campbeltown, echoing the town's history of overcoming adversity, like the heroic fight against a fire at Dalintober distillery in 1899.
Tasting Notes by Glen Scotia:Decadently smoky with hints of fiery red candied fruits and berries, the finish is long with a dry spicey end note. A subtle maritime salinity leaves no question which distillery this limited edition hails from.
A limited edition expression housed in a striking contemporary design by renowned designer Lee Broom. Featuring a selection of eaux-de-vie aged up to 37 years, it's fruit forward, smooth, and lengthy.Tasting Note:Nose: Jasmine, stone fruits, figs, saffronPalate: Walnuts, candied orange, cinnamon, and cocoa.Finish: Smooth, full-bodied and long lasting.
A distinguished single cask release, matured for 22 years in a Pedro Ximénez sherry butt from the renowned Fernando De Castilla. Bottled at 53.9% ABV, this Highland single malt offers rich, complex flavours with a sherried profile. With only 683 bottles available, this release is a must-have for whisky enthusiasts
Tasting Notes:Nose: Rich sherry notes, dried fruits, and hints of dark chocolate.Palate: Stewed fruits, raisins, sweet spices, and a touch of oak.Finish: Long and warming with lingering sweetness and a hint of spice.
Matured exclusively in a select bourbon barrel, this expression boasts a remarkable balance between oak and vanilla. A rare single cask release, and rested for 24 years, nothing showcases well-roundedness and finesse quite like this release.
Tasting Notes:Nose: Vanilla crème brulee, honeyed pear, and a hint of toasted oak with subtle citrus zest.Palate: Rich and creamy with notes of caramelized toffee, spiced apple, and a touch of butterscotch, evolving into a delicate wave of citrus and warming spices.Finish: Long and smooth, featuring lingering notes of vanilla and a whisper of oak spice.
Inspired by the rugged beauty around the distillery, The Glenturret 7 Years Old is the perfect introduction to the core peat-smoked whisky collection.
Driven by American Oak, this whisky showcases a bold smoky character, complemented by sweet fruit notes from European Oak. Refill casks highlight the peated New Make Spirit, presenting a citrus-forward aroma that evolves into sweet, fruity flavours on the palate.
Tasting Note by Glenturret:Wisps of smoke from burning peat embers. Citrus fruit and creamy vanilla. Sweet fruit and peat intertwine with tempered oak for a soft finish.
The third and final release in Rosebank's inaugural global series of legacy whiskies celebrates the revival of the distillery, known as the 'King of the Lowlands'. This edition commemorates the distillery's re-emergence after over 30 years of dormancy, marking a key milestone since its restoration began in 2019. Distilled in the final three years before its closure, this release captures Rosebank's rich, fruity, and floral character. The packaging features a commemorative letter and an NFC tag for authentication, highlighting its significance as Rosebank prepares to welcome the public in 2024.
Tasting Note by Rosebank:Nose: Elegant and balanced, boiled sweeties, pineapple cubes, dried apricot, gentle oak, candied ginger, lemon drizzle, marzipan, hints of white pepper and café latte.Palate: Velvet mouthfeel with good body, hints of malt, thyme, butterscotch, tropical fruits, drying oak and softly warming spice.Finish: Soft and long with lemon, honeyed porridge and toasted walnut.
At The English Distillery, the production of triple distilled single malt whisky is a rare event. These small batches yield a light and delicate whisky that is wonderfully enjoyable to drink.
Tasting Note by The English: With wafts of summer fruits, combined with hints of chocolate and light honey. Rich oak with just a hint of Liquorice; this is a lovely whisky for long lazy evenings.
Inspired by the Gaelic huntress goddess 'Neachneohain', this new themed series perfectly captures the innovation and discovery that underpins whisky making at Nc'Nean. Only produced once a year and created by a unique recipe crossover, this specific edition holds incredible jammy flavours, reminiscent of fresh baked biscuits with a hint of peppermint tea.
Tasting Note by Nc'nean:Cherry Bakewell, apricot marmalade, vanilla custard.
With just 311 bottles being bottled in the new 2024 rebranding, the GlenAllachie 2010 13 Year Old Madeira Hogshead is a UK exclusive, meticulously selected by Master Distiller Billy Walker. Bottled at cask strength, its intense character is a testament to its aging process, enriched by the unique nuances of Madeira wood.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Brandy butter, honeycomb, orchard fruits and butterscotch, with hints of orange blossom, hazelnut and caramelised brown sugar.Palate: Heather honey, orange peel and burnt caramel, followed by waves of cinnamon, butterscotch and stewed orchard fruits, with a nutty bouquet on the finish.
The Ledaig Triple Wood is an inaugural release, curated in collaboration with Tobermory Distillery's Island Ambassador and the renowned wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan, marking a union of three iconic Ledaig single malts. This blend signifies the partnership among Tobermory Distillery, Gordon Buchanan, and the Mull and Iona Community Trust, a charitable associate in a strive to uphold, safeguard, and conserve the island of Mull in the Scottish Hebrides.
This luxurious whisky comprises three classic Ledaig single malts, each meticulously matured in distinct casks — Wine, Bourbon, and Port. These are expertly harmonized by Master Blender, Julieann Fernandez. The outcome is a distinctive, smoky whisky brimming with hints of apple, vanilla, smoky oak, toffee, and a lingering touch of maple syrup.
Tasting Note by Tobermory: Nose: Sweet nose with notes of poached pears dusted with cinnamon, creamy butterscotch and American cream soda.Palate: An initial burst of apple strudel an vanilla ice cream is balanced with cracked black pepper, wood smoke, toasted oak and treacle toffee.Finish: Lingering smoky finish with cloves and a touch of maple syrup.
"The Essence of Time" 30 Years Old whisky is a result of a meticulous search within their aged casks, leading to the discovery of flavors in five unique barrels. The European oak introduces classic rich fruit tastes, enhanced with brandy and ginger undertones. A port pipe adds a deep ruby shade and hints of red fruits. Meanwhile, two American oak hogsheads contribute sweeter tropical fruit and banana flavors, reminiscent of their fresh new make spirit. This whisky stands as a testament to The Glenturret's dedication to preserving traditional crafting methods. It boasts a natural hue and is non-chill-filtered, with a limited release of 500 bottles worldwide.
Tasting Note by Glenturret:A summer’s day picnic – tropical fruit salad and ripening bananas with a garnish of prunes and figs. Sweet brandy snaps dusted with ginger and cinnamon. A compete of red fruits topped by meringue and vanilla ice cream delivers a fruity finish shaded by subtle oak.
Established in 1824 on the Easter Elchies Estate in Speyside, The Macallan has built its reputation on an unwavering commitment to exceptional oak cask selection. The Sherry Oak Collection represents the distillery's purest expression of that philosophy, with every single malt in the range matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks sourced from Jerez, Spain. Each cask is selected, crafted, toasted and seasoned under the supervision of The Macallan's Master of Wood before being filled to the exacting standards of the Whisky Mastery Team.
This 2023 Release has been matured for 18 years undisturbed in those sherry seasoned casks, developing its characteristic mahogany natural colour entirely without artificial intervention. The extended maturation imparts a full-bodied richness and depth that is immediately recognisable as The Macallan house style, with the oak's contribution to colour, aroma and flavour remaining the cornerstone of the whisky's identity. Bottled at 43% ABV, it is a perennial reference point for the Speyside category and a worthy centrepiece for any serious collection.
Tasting Note by The Macallan: Nose: Treacle tart with stem ginger, soaked raisins and sultanas with a hint of orange and ground cinnamon. Palate: Soft and rich, with dark chocolate coated ginger, dates and dried apricots, balanced with oak and the sweetness of vanilla. Finish: Lingering with dried fruits, ginger and oak.
The St. George's Distillery, known for its remarkable English range, has unveiled yet another captivating expression. This single malt has undergone a unique maturation process, resting in both virgin oak and sherry casks. The result is a whisky that entices the palate with delightful sweet notes of dried fruit, complemented by lively oak spices.
Tasting Note by The English:Nose: The aroma evokes the delightful scent of chocolate chip and raisin cookies, along with roasted almonds. There are also notes of cassia and black pepper adding a touch of spice.Palate: The taste is characterized by festive spices and toasted oak, with subtle hints of caramel lingering underneath.Finish: The finish brings forth flavors of raisin, grist (coarsely ground grain), and honeycomb, providing a satisfying conclusion to the experience.
The Virgin Oak Cask expression from The English Distillery began as an experiment but has now found its place in The English range. While whiskies aged in new oak casks can often be overwhelming, this one strikes a harmonious balance. It showcases the creamy, nutty, and chocolatey qualities of the cask without being dominated by overpowering oak. Instead, it offers a restrained hint of robust oak that complements the rich vanilla and nutty barley notes, creating a well-rounded and flavorful whisky.
Tasting Note by The English: Nose: Toasted vanilla pod, coconut ice, ginger, and a trace of caraway.Palate: Full-bodied barley and almond liqueur flavours, with a rising nutmeg warmth. More vanilla, this time with some chocolate coffee undertones emerging.Finish: Honey on toast, delicate citrus, and a peppery finish.
The English Whisky Company has crafted a small-batch release from their St. George's Distillery, and it's based on a heavily-peated malt that underwent maturation between 2010 and 2021. This remarkable release presents a delightful blend of flavors, including caramel, apples, and a distinct smokiness that runs through every sip. It's a testament to the craftsmanship of the distillery and their commitment to producing exceptional whisky.
Tasting Note by The English:Wafts of sea salt and burning embers with a soft sweet smokey finish.
The English Whisky Co. 1st Fill Bourbon Cask Matured Small Batch is a truly limited-edition gem, with production restricted to only four casks, yielding a mere 2500 bottles. These small batches serve as a testament to the craftsmanship of the distillers, emphasizing the diverse flavor profiles that different casks can impart. This whisky is a delectable offering, characterized by delightful notes of vanilla, indulgent milk chocolate, and the vibrant essence of green fruits, particularly apples. Its lusciously oily texture adds to the overall appeal, culminating in a remarkably enduring finish.
Tasting Note by The English: Nose: Buttery vanilla, pears and banana, and delicate green notes.Palate: Buttery sweet corn, candied orange peel, vanilla custard, crisp green apples, traces of wood spice, milk chocolate with a beautiful oily coating to the lips.Finish: Wood spice leads to lemon peel, hot buttered toast with apricot jam, and vanilla.
According to the legend, Clynelish once faced a fierce blizzard that threatened its precious casks with ruin. In the midst of this icy tempest, a silent and enigmatic feline creature came to the rescue. Situated in the densely overgrown woods of the Highlands, Clynelish is a distillery that stands even more remote than most, tucked away in the wilderness that serves as the natural habitat of the elusive Scottish wildcat. Although few of these elusive creatures remain, the symbol of the wildcat is proudly displayed at the Clynelish distillery, serving as its eternal guardian.
This particular Clynelish expression, as radiant as a gleaming golden eye, reveals a spicier dimension to its vibrant fruity notes and waxy texture. The luscious liquid emanates a dazzling array of complex aromas, encompassing fruits, herbs, and deeper, fragrant oak spices. Its velvety texture and opulent, wine-like sweetness are complemented by a burst of peppery spice, the result of an extended period of secondary maturation in Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso casks. A single malt as rare and elusive as the mysterious guardian that watches over it.
Tasting Note by Clynelish:Nose: Creamy top notes soon give way to light yet complex fruity and herbal aromas; subtle, understated suggestions of fruity mincemeat, tinned pears, even heather honey. Deeper still, spicy scents of oak preview a soaring intensity on the palate. A drop of water increases the herbal note, while also introducing a familiar waxy hint.Palate: A very smooth, mouth-filling texture introduces a lively taste that is rich and wine-sweet overall, the palate well-balanced by snarling peppery, oaky spice. A little water enhances the sweetness, steers the smoothness of the texture towards waxiness and rounds the flavours, which soon give way again to spicy heat.Finish: Quite long, chili-spiced, and appetisingly drying, with lingering pepper. A little water enhances the creamy-smooth texture and adds a little more spice.
According to the legend, a particular night witnessed a blood-red transformation of the moon in the Mortlach sky, marking the beginning of a mysterious alchemical process. Deep within the Mortlach distillery's stills, the blood moon's alluring ruby richness and intricate darkness worked their enchanting magic, endowing Mortlach itself with an uncommon and captivating essence. Radiant with the glow of ruby light, this renowned whisky underwent a final maturation in a blend of Virgin Oak, Tawny Port, and Red Muscat wine casks, intensifying its deep amber hue.
Vigorous scents of opulent wine and sweet grape intertwine with Mortlach's signature meaty character. In the quiet hours of the night, amid flickering illumination, the finish ascends to unparalleled heights. It's a whisky to hold dear, where sweetness, darkness, and depth converge in a mystical union that leaves a lasting impression.
Tasting Note by Mortlach:Nose: Robust savoury, rich notes evoke a hearty cassoulet with haricots, tomatoes, spicy sausage, and crisp pork belly. Intriguing aromas of grape and red wine entwine with this meatiness then, as the nose develops, become more mineral. A little water changes the picture again, lowering the spiciness and bringing up more rounded, wine-accented sweet red fruit.Palate: Rich and smoothly mouth-filling in texture, while the deep and intense taste is sweetly fruity rather than meaty, and spicy-dry, as the virgin oak makes its presence felt. Magnificently lively, with a richly layered taste, in which hints of ginger lead a spicy dance. A dash of water fashions a delicious, harmonious and strong marriage between fruitiness and black pepper spiciness.Finish: Long and deeply impressive, with power, fruit and black pepper in perfect harmony, a spicy kick as it goes down and a warming glow spreading across the palate. Finally, the palate is left dry, bathed in a glorious afterglow. A drop of water adds a dash of acidity.
As one follows the meandering path along the river's edge beside The Singleton of Glen Ord, the tale of its unique enchantment carries significant meaning. Situated on the Black Isle, it stands as the sole remaining Single Malt distillery, and the allure of this whisky resides in its luxuriously intricate flavors. The mastery of slow craftsmanship has always been the secret, allowing each phase of production, from malting to maturation, to progress at its own unhurried pace, resulting in a liquid that is harmonious, velvety, and captivating.
This exceptional expression captivates the senses with its opulent character, honed over eight years of aging in wine casks.
Tasting Note by Singleton:Nose: Dry overall, the gentle nose gives a vinous first impression, backed by spicy, woody notes of oak shavings and beech. Alluring aromas of tart red berry fruit and creamy vanilla spread among them, and a hint of wax appears in the development. A little water softens the nose and relaxes the aroma, without great alteration.Palate: An ultra-smooth, mouth-filling texture prefaces a lively, intense taste; barley-sugar sweet, with a pinch of salt. That sweetness becomes pleasantly tart, with suggestions of gooseberry and crisp grape. At reduced strength, it is not as tart, but still spicy; the sweetness is highlighted yet the appetising spicy heat remains.Finish: Lengthy and palate-drying, as pepper-heat lingers in a last kiss of silken spice. With water sweeter, now with a trace of fondant in the aftertaste.
According to legend, the ancient black rock beneath Cardhu experienced a seismic event one day, causing it to crack with a thunderous sound. From within this fracture, a tremendous warmth surged forth, creating a tropical paradise where none had existed before. The biting winds that once prevailed transformed into gentle breezes, and the rich fragrances of passion-flower and pineapple gracefully wafted through the distillery and its surroundings, imbuing everything they touched with an extraordinary, exotic essence. At the stroke of midnight, the chasm sealed itself shut, returning to silence for all eternity.
Tasting Note by Cardhu:Nose: Beguiling first impressions begin with the fresh, sweet fruitiness of lemon zest and white grape enriched by exotic notes of pink grapefruit and ripe mango, all on a faintly mossy base, a note that evolves into freshly ironed linen. A notably spicy and woody note soars high above. A drop of water dries these aromas and introduces a pinch of white pepper.Palate: A creamy-smooth and full texture, the taste erupting with sweet flavour. Tingling on the tongue, the fruity and malty sweetness behind this suggesting home-made rum toffee and more exotic hints of spiced pineapple and green banana, made more appetising still by spicy and drying, bracingly crisp, clean oak. A dash of water creates a delightful and even smoother texture, still strong in peppery spice.Finish: Quite short, sweet and peppery. With water, the oaky spiciness is even more forward.
Distilled and aged at the Tsunuki Distillery, this single cask whisky boasts an impressive peat level of 124ppm. Remarkably, it still retains the distillery's signature traits of freshness and floral notes, with the gentle peat providing a harmonious complement to these characteristics. Notably, this particular single cask was handpicked by La Maison du Whisky, a globally renowned whisky retailer known for their discerning taste in exceptional spirits.
Tasting Note by Tsunuki:Pepper, cinnamon and liquorice on the nose, with a touch of oiliness and oak cake. Very busy on the palate, with candied lemon, iris, bacon fat, gooseberry and vanilla pod. Some fresh herbs on the finish with sage, verbena and soft peat smoke.
Crafted with utmost precision and care, this annual release has become a true cornerstone of the Shinshu distillery's product lineup, setting the benchmark for the renowned Shinshu style. Aged in a harmonious combination of bourbon and sherry casks, the Shinshu Komagatake 2015 Single Cask #3225 offers a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the heart of the Japanese Alps.
Tasting Note by Shinshu:Bright and fruit driven on the palate, with notes of plum, apricot, green apple and a touch of smoke. Vibrant barley sugar and vanilla on the palate, with some notes of marzipan, tarte tatin and tobacco leaf.
This annual release has garnered a reputation as the pinnacle of the Shinshu style, captivating whisky enthusiasts around the world. Aged with meticulous care in a harmonious blend of bourbon and sherry casks, each sip unveils a symphony of taste that will transport your senses to new heights.
Tasting Note by Shinshu:Bright and fruit driven on the palate, with notes of plum, apricot, green apple and a touch of smoke. Vibrant barley sugar and vanilla on the palate, with some notes of marzipan, tarte tatin and tobacco leaf.
Delicate and possessing a light body, this Cardhu expression is truly outstanding. It is complemented beautifully by an enigmatic hint of Parma violets, embodying the timeless grace of a flawless individual flower.
This Cardhu variation is a graceful and utterly enchanting creation, boasting fruity and meadow-sweet aromas. Its flavor profile is sweet, indulgent, and impeccably balanced, featuring a remarkable and unique floral note that adds to its allure.
Tasting Note by Cardhu:Nose: The mild nose is fresh and lightly fruity, as gentle aromas of white grape and lychee frolic with sharper hints of green apple, pear and a trace of orange zest, all enrobed by a hint of buttery pastry. Rising above these, a light spicy note reveals more of the wine-seasoned wood. A drop of water introduces a light note of meadow flowers, which become distinctly honeyed with time.Palate: A soft, creamy-smooth and quite full texture, the sweet taste suggesting home-made toffees. Soon, that taste becomes more fragrant and hints of Parma violets, a note further enriched by winey red apple and pear fruit and made more appetizing still by crisp, clean oak. A dash of water softens it to a delightful creamy-sweet freshness, leaving just a hint of spice.Finish: Short, sweet, clean and warming, with lingering perfume in the aftertaste. With water smoother still, as a warming pinch of white pepper appears, while there is a final burst of green apple in the aftertaste.
